Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, ended his 14-day hunger strike Thursday after protesting alleged irregularities in a Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) competitive exam held on December 13.
Kishor, a former political strategist, said his “Satyagraha” movement would continue to advocate for civil service aspirants and address what he described as the Bihar government’s “authoritarian attitude.”
“The matter, seeking the cancellation of the BPSC’s 70th Combined Competitive Exam, is being heard by the Patna High Court today,” Kishor said. “It is a coincidence that I am ending my hunger strike on the same day. We are hopeful that aspirants will get justice. If not, we will approach the Supreme Court.”
Kishor began his fast on January 2, demanding the exam’s cancellation over allegations of a question paper leak. After concluding his strike at the party’s camp office near the Ganges River, he performed rituals and accepted juice from party workers.
The Jan Suraaj Party has established a camp at LCT Ghat, which Kishor referred to as the “Bihar Satyagraha Ashram.” He announced plans to train 100,000 students there by March 11 to raise awareness of social injustices and empower Bihar’s youth.
“Our Satyagraha will focus on addressing the issues faced by marginalized communities and the youth,” he said.
Kishor criticized the state government for its handling of protests against the alleged exam irregularities. He condemned the police crackdown on student demonstrators and announced plans to file a criminal writ petition against officials involved in the police action. He also said the party would approach the Human Rights Commission.
“The chief minister has not addressed the students’ demands or met with them, showing his arrogance and insensitivity,” Kishor alleged.
He also commented on rumours regarding the chief minister’s health. “People are discussing his mental health. If there are concerns, the government should issue a bulletin on his overall health,” he said.
Kishor revealed plans to train 5,000 students at the ashram starting Jan. 20, emphasizing Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance to create change.
The BPSC exam has been at the centre of a state-wide controversy following allegations of a question paper leak. While the government denied the claims, it ordered a retest for more than 12,000 candidates.
“The government removed us from Gandhi Maidan, but now we are in the lap of the holy Ganga,” Kishor said. “I am confident students will receive justice.”
Kishor’s protest followed his arrest and brief hospitalisation after staging a prohibited demonstration. Released on bail, he relocated his protest to the Ganges Riverbank, where he vowed to continue fighting for reform.